Police are appealing for information following the death of a red kite in the Nairn area. Police statement as follows:

The kite was discovered by a member of the public on farmland in the Glenferness area at the end of October. Police were contacted with immediate action being taken to establish the cause of death. Subsequently, test results returned this week have confirmed the bird had ingested an illegal pesticide.

“Sadly it has been confirmed the red kite had died as a result of consuming a poisonous substance and an investigation is now taking place into the circumstances. It appears to be an isolated incident involving a single bird of prey. Police Scotland and partners are committed to tackling wildlife crime and will utilise all available resources to bring those responsible to justice.”

“Investigations into wildlife crime can be very complex and challenging, with a major part of our enquiries involving liaising with members of the local community who may hold essential information.

“We would appeal to anyone who has any information to make contact as a matter of urgency via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”

Ian Thomson, Head of Investigations for RSPB Scotland said:

“It is very disappointing to hear of yet another incident of raptor persecution in this area. It is thoroughly depressing that in 21st century Scotland, there are still those who have a Victorian attitude towards birds of prey, as well as a criminal disregard of the law.

“The continued targeting of our raptors is a stain on our country’s reputation and has no place in modern Scotland. I urge anyone who has information about this incident to contact the police as soon as possible.”

END

Well done to Police Scotland for putting out a timely appeal for information.

So, yet another illegally-killed raptor. Yet another poisoning with a banned pesticide. Yet more evidence that current deterrents are not working. Are you paying attention, Environment Minister?

No wonder our Northern population of Red Kites aren’t expanding. The gamekeepers and other wildlife killers are running rings round the law enforcers and the Scottish government. Come on Environment Minister get your act together, or do you like seeing the criminals win all the time?

Good news that the police came out with info about this incident relatively quickly compared to their usual sloth approach to raptor crime, however their statement is a wee tad vague, is that intentional? “In the Nairn area”, now that is quite a sizeable area with at least one well known raptor persecuting estate in it, is Glenferness the only area within Nairn they’re interested in. Is that a single incident because only one bird was illegally poisoned, or could it be that only one poisoned bird was found because no one did an extensive search of the area. There’s no mention of the type of poison used other than a known pesticide, it’s also well known that certain pesticides are very persistant and can be passed on down the food chain killing many more victims. Are they doing a search of premises for this particular known pesticide in the area the Kite was found. Lots os questions, it will be intesting to see if they come back with any answers !!!